The circumstances are pretty clear for Oswego State this weekend as it wraps up its regular season with two games against SUNY Potsdam. A win paired with a Buffalo State loss in either game against Plattsburgh State and the Lakers clinch a NEWHL playoff spot. Two wins guarantee a second or third seed and avoidance of meeting Plattsburgh State in the first round. Two losses and the Lakers will have to hope Buffalo State loses two of its last three games (two against Plattsburgh State, one against SUNY Potsdam).

Head coach Diane Dillon has stressed the importance of every game the past two weeks, even saying they should be treated as playoff games. But the Lakers have lost four in a row and were only given two days to put a home shutout loss against SUNY Cortland in the back of their minds. On the other hand, SUNY Potsdam has lost three games in a row and has three games this weekend that are must-win. One team will have to step up on Friday night.

Last Time Out

Oswego State

The Lakers lost 2-0 on their home ice Wednesday night against SUNY Cortland. The Red Dragons scored on the power play with just 44 seconds remaining in the first period before adding another score in the second. Oswego State had its chances, outshooting the Red Dragons 28-20 overall, including 9 in the final period. However, penalties would once again be the downfall for the Lakers, committing two in the third period to seal a Red Dragons’ victory. The loss marked the Lakers fourth straight heading into the final weekend.

SUNY Potsdam

The Bears are coming off a tough weekend series with their north country rival Plattsburgh State. The Cardinals dominated on the scoreboard, taking the first game 7-0 and the second 4-0. SUNY Potsdam committed six penalties in the second game, a grave error against one of the most efficient power play units in the country. They were also outshot 46-11. The Bears enter play on a three-game losing streak, with the first loss coming at the hands of SUNY Cortland.

By The Numbers

Record (Conference)

OSW: 9-11-3 (4-8-2)

POT: 8-11-3 (5-6-2)

Goals (Per Game)

OSW: 46 (2.0)

POT: 37 (1.7)

Shots (Per Game)

OSW: 683 (29.7)

POT: 514 (23.4)

Power Play (Percentage)

OSW: 6-86 (7.0%)

POT: 13-96 (13.5%)

Keys to the Game

Oswego State

The Lakers need to avoid the bad penalties. Penalties happen, but it is the bad and unnecessary ones that have really hurt Oswego State this season. SUNY Potsdam has struggled all year to score, even being shutout three games in a row. However, it do have a decent power play unit at 13.5 percent. If the Lakers can avoid the box, the path to victory will be that much easier.

SUNY Potsdam

The key for the Bears is to find the back of the net early. They come into Friday night averaging 1.7 goals per game, among the worst in the NEWHL. They have also been shutout in three straight games. If they want to win a tough road game, an early goal will help. Score early and finish strong with a tough defense.

Players to Watch

OSW: Victoria Rankin

Rankin is one of two seniors for Oswego State, along with Mikaela Ditonto. She has not had the biggest season in terms of points (three), but she has been a leader for the Lakers in the locker room. In a game representing her last time suiting up at the Marano Campus Center Ice Arena, expect a jolt of energy and possibly more scoring opportunities for the senior.

POT: Miranda Kolb

SUNY Potsdam needs offensive production tonight and Kolb brings just that. The junior stands at just five-foot-one, but she brings the elusiveness and quickness needed to be successful on the ice. She has totaled an even five goals and five assists on the year and has a point in each of the last two games the Bears have scored in. The Lakers have struggled at times with forwards of her type, so expect a big game from Kolb.

Final Thoughts

This game is about as even as it could be on paper. Neither team scores at a high rate, but both teams pride themselves on a good defense and solid goaltending. The team that scores first may end up walking away with a 1-0 victory. The Bears took the first of four meetings by a 3-2 score, but the next game ended in a 1-1 tie. In that tie, SUNY Potsdam blocked 16 shots. Both defenses are not afraid to get down to protect their goaltenders.

As it has been a headline all season, Dillon has another big decision in net tonight. Freshman Cassie Shokar has started the last three games for the Lakers, even earning a somewhat surprising start over Rachael Farmer on Wednesday night. In a must-win game, it will be interesting to see who Dillon starts in net.

Oswego State has a little bit more firepower on the offensive end. Although we have not seen it as much lately, the emotions of senior night and a must-win NEWHL game gives a slight edge to the home Lakers.